Clinical efficacy study with innovative DMG and caffeine-containing shampoo shows tremendous effectiveness against hereditary hair loss
Conducted at the Centre for Cosmetic Research, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Rome, Italy
Summary
Hereditary hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is a common problem that leads to hair loss and thinning hair in men, significantly impacting self-esteem and quality of life.
This study demonstrated the effectiveness of an innovative shampoo formulation containing the new combination of dimethylglycine (DMG) and caffeine against hereditary hair loss.
In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 154 men with hereditary hair loss used either the new DMG-caffeine shampoo or a placebo shampoo daily for six months. The results show that using the DMG and caffeine-containing shampoo (Verum) significantly reduced hair loss and improved hair growth parameters (including an increase in hair density) compared to the use of the placebo shampoo.
Background
Hereditary hair loss, or 'androgenetic alopecia' (AGA), is the most common form of hair loss in men, characterised by thinning hair and increased shedding on the scalp. Despite the widespread occurrence of this type of hair loss, the impact on the quality of life for affected men is substantial, manifesting in reduced self-esteem, depression, and dissatisfaction with body image. Caffeine-containing products from Alpecin have already proven effective in combating this form of hair loss and offer the advantage of being free from the unwanted side effects often associated with medicinal treatments.
Methods
In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, the effectiveness of an innovative shampoo formulation was demonstrated: Over a period of 6 months, 154 men with hereditary hair loss used either the new dimethylglycine (DMG) and caffeine-containing shampoo (Verum) or a corresponding placebo shampoo daily. The hair loss rate was measured after 3 and 6 months of product use using the so-called hair pull test. Additionally, questionnaires were used to analyse the subjective assessments of the participants as well as the objective evaluations by dermatologists regarding efficacy, cosmetic acceptance, and tolerability. Furthermore, a phototrichogram analysis was conducted for a subgroup of 30 participants to determine key hair growth parameters (such as hair density).
Results
Based on the hair pull test analysis, a significant reduction in the hair loss rate was demonstrated after using the Verum shampoo compared to the placebo shampoo. According to the questionnaires, after 6 months of use, the cosmetic quality and efficacy of the Verum product were also rated significantly better compared to the placebo. The phototrichogram analysis showed that hair growth parameters (e.g., increase in hair density) were significantly better after 6 months of using the Verum shampoo.
Conclusion
This innovative shampoo formulation with dimethylglycine (DMG) and caffeine has proven to be an effective option for reducing hereditary hair loss and stimulating hair growth. The results demonstrate the efficacy of this novel formulation with the combination of DMG and caffeine as an effective topical treatment alternative against hereditary hair loss.
Source
Celleno L, Bussoletti C, Tolaini MV, Rossi A, Ala L, Becker M, Völker JM, Schulze Zur Wiesche E (2025): A Novel Approach Against Male Pattern Hair Loss With Topical Dimethylglycine Sodium Salt (DMG-Na) and Caffeine: Efficacy of a 24-Week, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 24, no. 8: e70390